Apart from the dictionary definition of Architecture as the art and science of designing buildings. One definition that comes into play when we are looking at buildings after they are designed is the definition that says, "Architecture is the cultural expression of a people"/1 https://twitter.com/BEZidakula/status/1380246257566937089

I am recalling this definition because it is important in answering this valid question as to the predominantly basic design that is given to the BQ in most Nigerian dwellings. The predominant basic strip BQ design in Nigeria owes its origin to the colonial background of BQs.../2

BQs were discriminatory housing provided to keep the coloured/indigenous help housed on the same confines as the colonial overlord but in a separate confine and in rather dehumanizing circumstances as was the character of the latter. This transcended into post colonial Nigeria /3

as did police brutality (a standard feature of the colonial police). In present day Nigeria, the basic BQ does not represent a slight by designers or developers, it represents the eagerness with which the family would sacrifice the helos's comfort for their own convenience.../4

This is the messaging to the architect conveyed not only by developers but by house buyers hence the config of the BQ as is upheld in most designs. The architect only produces a work of art that depicts the lifestyle and habits of people who own the dwellings, nothing more../5

The fenced houses and streets which are by popular demand becoming a constant feature of our society (as the easiest response to check crimes) will someday be blamed on architects, developers and urban designers too. Every product fulfils the popular demand, Architecture too..EOT

Ff:
It takes just the client's/sponsor's approval of the design proposed by the architect which upgrades the BQ. Aside that, unless popular demand changes, there is little architects can do. Cost is borne by the client, so the architect will not design what the client won't build